Liquid-feeding device



E. A. ROCKWELL.

LIQUID FEEDING DEVICE.

APPLICATION FILED Nov. 2|. I9I9.

UNITED STATES-*PATENT orrlci..

EDWARD A. RocKWELL, or rLUsrirNG, NEW Yeux, Assrefivon ro E. A. aocxwnrr.

COMPANY, INC., OF NEW' YORK, 5.7.7, A. CRPORATION 0F NEW YORK.

LIQUID-FEEDING DEVICE.

Specicatioii of Letters Patent.

Patented nav. as, ieee.

Appiicauon aies November 2i, 191e.`Y seriai No. 339,591.

" all 203mm it' may concer-.12.: Y

Be it known that I, EDWARD A. ROCK-v wnLi., a Citizen of the `United States, residing` at Flushing, in the county of Queens and State of New York, have inventedY a certain iiewrand useful Improvement in LiquidFeeding Devices7 of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates particularly to an Another object of my invention is to proof fuel may be fed. Again the object of my invention is to provide an apparatus in which there is a vacuum tank, or chamber adapted tobe supplied with fuel by means of the vacuum of the internal combustion is maintainedV substantially constant irre-V spective of differentengine speeds and different degrees of vacuum applied by the en eine at different times, so as to obtain thus iiniforniity in operation of the apparatus, and increase the volume of fuel which may be carried by the vacuum tankl owing to the small size of the operating float' contained therein. The object of invention is, fui'- thermore, to in this way providea feeding system which has sufficient capacity 'and speed of operation to supply enginesof'large horse power; as for example engines used for driving heavy motor'vehicles;

Afurther object of my invention 4is toY make possible even a greater economy in czgnistruction and also even a greater reliability ofo'peration than is4 possible by the use of the system for feeding by means of a vacuum described and claimed in-my`application Serial No. 301,827, filed JuneV 4f, 1919, the present invention being essentially an improvement upon the organization therein described and claimed.y although certain features `of novelty herein 'described and claimed may be capable of numerous independent uses. lhile my invention is capable of embodiment in many different forms, for the purpose ofillnstratioii I shall show Aonly one form of my invention in the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure I is a vertical section of an appa-y ratus made in accordance withV my invention.

Fig. II is a partial section taken on the A v line II-II of Fig. I, looking downward. vide a feeding system of this character y which so Vconstructed that a large volumeV `In the drawings, I have shown a vacuum tank or chamber l, which may be connected by means of a pipe 2 to 'a main lsupply tank for fuel, such as gasolene, and which may bel connected also by a pipe 3, having a small port 3a, to the intake manifold of an internal combnstionrengine, such vfor example as an automobile engine. The discharge end of the pipe 2 'may be screwthreaded ina sleeveb which may have .a groove 3 toreceive a ring 3d which may hold in placca screen 3?, so as to prevent the entry of dirt into the apparatus. The lower free edge of the chamber l may have a shouldered flange l whichV lits over the top 0r separating plate of an auxiliary supply tank or chamber 5 and may be secured thereto by means of screws 6. Said auxiliary supply tank 5 may have a bottom closurey which may be connected by a pipe 8 to the carbureter of the internal combustion engine above referredV to. A pipe 9 may extend upwardly from the top of the tank 5 through the chamber l, and out through the top of the latter through socket'l 10. The exterior of thesocket 10 may be screwthreaded to receive a'hexagonal ico cover l1 which maintains a packiiigaround the upper end of the vent pipe 9, and which top of the cover l1, so as to allowV spaces i4:

at intervalsl around the cap 13 through which air may pass. In the' interior ofthe tank or chamber'l there may be a bracket 15 which may be secured to the vent pipe 9 for guiding a rod 16 which projects up wardly from a float 17, made of any desired material, but preferably balsa wood. The

rod 16 may be extended below the float 17 where it may be pivoted to a lever 19. This lever 19 may have at its other end a link 20 which may connect it to an arm 21 attached to one side of a valve closure 22 adapted to fit against the under side of a valve seat which may be a ground flat surface terminating a collar 23 carried in an aperture in the top of the tank 1n the preferred form of float-operated valve adapted for use in the present organization, lever 19 may have at one side a projection 24 to contact with a projection 25 on the link 20, so as to prevent lateral displacement of the valve 22 when it is being seated. 1n the initial opening movement of the valve 22 the lever 19 rotates, in this construction shown, upon a pivot 25a by means of which the lever 19 is connected by a lever 25h to a pivot 25C on the top of the tank 5. Afterward, however, the opening movement of the valve 22 yis completed by the rotation of the lever around the pivot 25. The valve 22 in closing is moved bythe lever 19 on the pivot 25a as arfulcrum. At the top of the lever 25b there may be a stop 25d which limits vthe movement thereof relative to the lever 19, and at the bottom of the lever 25b there may be a stop 25e between which and the top of the tank 5 there is normally a slight clearance to permit the valve 22 to be closedV tightly by the vacuum applied to the top thereof; but this clearance is removed. at the beginning of the opening movement of the valve 22 when the liquid begins to rise in the tank 5.

TWithin the mentioned collar 23 (which may be secured in any suitable manner, as by mere driving or soldering into an opening in the top of tank 5) and extending nearly, but preferably not quite to the bottom thereof, there may be inserted a pipe 33, secured therein in any convenient manner, as by forcing, within said collar and against said pipe, a securing rino', or the like 34, preferably' deformedv to correspond very closely with the walls against which it must fit. Pipe serves, as will be apparent, to permit a rise of gaseous materials simultaneously with the descent of liquid through pipe 33 whenever the valve closure 22 may be removed from its seat. The pipe 33, which may or may not contact with pipe 9, and may-or may not be secured thereto, may be insert-ed at an inclination corresponding toa taper in the collar 23, such taper serving to assure the firm seating of the ring 34 which may be splitr or entire,

cast or stamped, and of uniform or varying thickness and breadth-important consideration being the economy and permanencel of the novel construction here referred to.

lWithin a second aperture in the mentioned top plate ofthe tank 5 therefmay also be inserted, in any convenient .ma-mier, a

secondary valve, preferably of such character that it shall open automatically whenever the pressure in the vacuum chamber 1 shall fall, by any predetermined amount corresponding to an adjustment of the said secondary valve, below the then existing pressure in auxiliary supply tank. Said secondary valve also obviates the necessity of having any expansion chamber present in connection with the tank 5, inasmuch as the said secondary valve will always unseat itself whenever there is any undue increase of pressure in the tank 5 in case said pressure should accumulate while the valve 22 is closed. 1n this way, any possibility of the fuel boiling' out through the vent pipe 9 due te any increase in pressure in the tank 5 is entirely avoided. 1n the form of my invention herein illustrated, this secondary valv comprises a body 35, so bored that the shaft of a plunger 36 shall move freely therein, within the limits fixed by the head 37 and the adjusting nut 33. Between nut 38 and the body 35, which may contain'openings 39, may be compressed a spring 49, adapted to close the valve by drawing the face 11 against the correspondingly beveled face 42.

rllhe auxiliary tank being open to the outer air through pipe 9, it is the function of the secondary valve organiza n just descril -d to set a maximum to the ciiaerence in pressure that may exist between chamber 5 and the vacuum feed chamber 1; for whenever the suction through pipe A3 might become so strong as to interfere with the reliable action of the float-controlled valve system. above described, the ingress of air through pipe 9, and thence through the secondary valve, will serve to reduce .to a desired maximum (dependent on the adjustment of said secondary valve) the suction Athat must draw fuel through pipe 2, but that inevitably tends also to holtl` lthe mentioned float-operated valve in its closed position. The secondary valveorganization herein described, operating regardlessof any movement between the two chambers herein mentioned, serve a function somewhat analogous to that of a valve placed on the top of the vacuum chamber 1 in the device of my 'former application above referred to, but lit presents very notable advantages in simplicity of construction, reliability operation, and reduced liability to derangement through intreduction of dust, accidental damage, or otherwise. l

in its present Yposition the valve is Yself-Vv pering or misdirected attention.

The chamber 1 and the tank 5 may be supported by means' of a bracket 26a surroundmg'the lower portion of the tank 5, which bracket may have an upwardly-directed tongue 27 adapted to be secured by screws 28 lply of fuel, such as automobile. TWelded or otherwise secured to the top of the tongue 2.7 there may be a metal strap 29 having atA one end thereof a hook 30 for engagement with a yoke 31 connected bya square ring 32 to a loop onthe other end` of the strap 29, the details here referred to being fully described in my inentioned prior application, Serial Number Infthe operation of my invention, a Vsupgasolene, having been introduced into the main supply tank 'which may be at a lower level than the auxilizu-v` supply tank 5, as for example atthe lower rear portion of an automobilepand the engine having been ystarted so as to intermittently form a vacuum in the vacuum chamber 1 through the port 3a, the fuel will be.

drawn from the main supply tank by means of the pipe 2, and discharged into the vaeuum chamber 1, as shown in Fig. 1, which indicates thel position ofthe parts when tie valve 22 is closed. Inasinuch as the valve 22 is retained closed by the vacuum which is in the vacuum chamber `1, as well as the weight of the float 17 the level of the liquid `fuel will 'rise in the chamber 1 until the liquid level reaches a point ou the upper portion of the float 1? whereupon a sudden lifting effort of considerable strength will be applied to the rod 16 which will first cause the stop 25e to contact with the top of the tank 5, and thenV depress the side of the valve 22 to which the arm 21 is atta-relied. This will unseat the valve 22, although the valve 22 is of suoli large area that the buoyancy of a float in the chamber 1 would not be suilicient to open the valve 22 against the force of the vacuum holding the same closed if the link 2O `were connected to the center of the valve. In this way a powerful lever age acts by means of the lever 19 to initially open the valve 22. Once the valve is lunse'ated in this manner. the vacuum will be` broken and the lever 19 will then change its center ofy rotation from the pivot 25 to the pivot so as'to entirely open the valve 22, and permit the quick discharge of a large volume of liuuidfrom the chamber l into thetank The opening of the valve 22 completed with the aid of the forro of gravity. In this way, a constant,supply of fuel will be provided in the auxiliary tarL 7, and the fuel will flor: tl rom into t e carburetor, whence the mixed air and gasolene will be supplied to the internal combustion engine. In the closing movement of the valve` 22, it willv be understood that the lever 19 will rotate upon the pivot 25C this vacuum will be of a uniform character because vof the fact that at every suction stroke of the engine piston, or as often as maybe necessary, the mentioned secondary' or vacuum release valve between vacuum chamber land auxiliary tank 5. will open to an extent depending on the degree of vacuapplied by the engine. As mentioned, the presence ofrtliis secondary valve also decreases the vacuum which is applied to the upper side of the valve 22, and consequently renders it possibleto open vsaid 'valve with a very much smaller lifting effort of theiioat than would otherwise be the case. For this reason, the float 1'4" isjmade smaller than would otherwise be possible, and smaller than would unseat the valvev 22 if the described secondary valve, or its equivalent, wereabsent. The capacity of the tank 5 is,.therefore, correspondingly greater, and this aswellasthe valve construction which permits arapidfeed of the fuel permits the use of my feeding system in connection with high powered engines. By constructing the apparatus in this manner, furthermore, the vacuum feed will be just as effective when there is avery low vacuum produced by the engine as when there isa normal vacuum or aV high vvacuum produced; The presence of the valve 37v also prevents the possibility of gasolene boiling out through the vent pipe 9 due to any increase of pressurein the tank 5, which might accumulate if the valve 37 were not present. rllhe uniform operation of the valve 22 is, furthermore, insured by the. presence of the screen 3@ which prevents the entry of particlesfof dirt into the apparatus.

The tank 5 is at all times vented to the outer air through the vent pipe 9. vWhenever it is desired to repair the apparatus in any manner, it can readily be removed by disen- .fill

gaging the yoke 31 from the hook 30, bend- Y between. said separating plate being` provided with a plurality of apertures, a pressure yoperated valve in one of said apertures and a float-operated valve in another of said apertures. l 2. In combination, a vacuum chamber, an auxiliary chamber, a separating plate therebetween', said separating plate 'being provided with Va plurality of apertures, a pressure-operated valve opening` upward in one of said apertures, and a float-operated valve in another of said apertures.

3. In combination, a vacuumchamber, an

lll

auxiliary chamber, a separating plate therebetween, said separating plate being provided with a plurality of apertures, a pressure-operated valve in one of said apertures and a float-operated valve opening downward in another of said apertures.

In combination, a vacuum chamber, an auxiliary chamber, a separating plate therebetween, said separating plate being provided with a plurality of apertures, a pressure-operated valve opening upward in one of said apertures, and a float-operated valve opening downward in another of said apertures.

5. ln combination, a vacuum chamber, an auxiliary chamber, a separating plate therebetween` separating plate having' a plurality of' ducts leading through said plate, through one of which a liuid may descend, through another of which a uid may ascend, and a single means for interrupting' the passage ofA fluids through both of said ducts.

6. In combination, a vacuumchambenan auxiliary chamber, a separating plate therebetween. said separatingplate having a plurality of ducts leading through said plate, through one rof which a fluid may descend, through another of which a fluid may ascend, and means for simultaneously interrupting` the passage of fluids through both of said ducts.

7. In combination, a vacuum chamber, an auxiliary chamber, a separating plate therebetween, lsaid separating plate having a plurality of ducts leading through said plate, through one of which a fluid may descend, through another of which a fluid may as eend, and means dependent on the level of the liquid in one of said chambers for interrupting the passage of fluids through both of said ducts.

8. ln combination, a vacuum chamber, an auxiliary chamber, a separating' plate therebetween, said separating plate having a plurality of ducts leading through said plate, through one of which a fluid may descend', through another of which a fluid may ascend, and means dependent on the level of the liquid in one of said chambers for simultaneously interrupting the passage of fluids through both of said ducts. K

9. n combinatioma vacuum chamber, an auxiliary chamber, a separating plate therebetween, said separating plate being provided w'rh a passageway throughA which a fluid may descend, said passageway having' a conduit through whichV a fluid may ascend, and a single means for closing said passageway.

l0. ln combination, a vacuum chamber,an auxiliary chamber, a separating plate therebetween, said separating plate being provided with a passageway through which a fluid may descend, said passageway having therebetween. said seuaratino' plate bein' Y L b .L

provided with a passageway through which i fluid may descend, said passageway hava ronduit through which a fluid may ascend, and means extending` across thebottom of said conduit and dependent on the level of the liquid in one of said chambers' i?, said passageway. l2. ln combination, a vacuum chamber, an. auxiliary chamber, a separating plate therebetween, said separating plate being provided with a passageway through which a. fluid may descend, said passageway having a conduit through which a fluid may ascend, and means extending' across the bottom of said conduit and dependent on the level of the liquid in said vacuum chamber tor simultaneously closing said passageway. 13. In combination, a vacuum chamber, an auxiliary chamber, a separating plate therebetween, said` separating plate beingprovided with a plurality of apertures, a n sure-operated valve in one of said apertures, a float-operated valve in another vof said apertures, and a separate air intalre located between the respective chambers.

M 'n combination, a vacuum chamber, an auxiliary chamber, a separating plate therebetween, said separating plate being prorided with a plurality of apertures, a pressure-operated valve opening upward in one otl said apertures, a float-operated valve in another of said apertures, and a separate air :intake located between the respective chambers.

l5. In combination, a vacuum chamber, an auxiliary chamber, a separating' plate therebetween, said separating plate being provided with a plurality of apertures, a pressure-operated valvein one of said apertures, a float-operated valve opening downward in another of said apertures, and a separate air intake located between the respective chambers.

i6. In combination, a vacuum chamber,

tures.` and separate air intake located between the respective Chambers.

l?. l-n combination, a `vacuum chamber, an auxiliary chamber, a separating` plate therebetween, said separating plate having a plurality of'ducts leading through said plate, through one of which a fluid may descend, through another of which a fluid may ascend, a single means for interrupting the passage of fluids through both of said descend, through another of which a fluid may ascend, means for simultaneously interrupting the passage of fluids through both of said ducts, and a separate air intae located between the respective chambers.

19. In combination, a vacuum chamber, an auxiliary chamber, a separating plate therebetween, said separating plate having a plurality of ducts leading through said plate, through one of which a fluid may descend, through another of which a fluid may ascend, means, dependent on the level pf the liquid in one of said chambers for interrupting the passage of fluids through both of said ducts, and a separate air intake located between the respective chambers.

20. In combination, a vacuum chamber, an auxiliary chamber, a separating plate therebetween, said separating plate having a plurality of ducts leading through said plate, through one of which a fluid may descend, through another of which a fluid may ascend, means dependent on the level of the liquid in one of said chambers for simultaneously interrupting the passage of fluids through both of said ducts, and a separate air intake located betweenl the respective chambers.

21. In combination, a vacuum chamber, an auxiliary chamber, a separating plate therebetween, said separating plate being provided with a plurality of passages, through one of which a fluid may descend, through another of which a fluid may ascend, a conduit through which a gaseous fluid may ascend, a closure capable of extending across the bottom of said conduit, and a separate air intake located between the respective chambers.

22. In combination, a vacuum chamber, an auxiliary chamber, a separating plate therebetween, said separating plate being provided with a plurality of passages, through one of which a fluid may descend, through another of which a fluid may ascend, a conduit through which a gaseous fluid may ascend, a closure capable of extending across one of said passages and across the bottom of said conduit, and a separate air intake located between the respective chambers.

23. In combination, a vacuum chamber,

an auxiliary chamber, a separating plate therebetween, said separating plate being provided with a plurality of passages, through one of which a fluid may descend, through another of which a fluid may ascend, a conduit through which a gaseous fluid may ascend, a closure capable of extending across the bottom of said conduit and dependent on the level of the liquid in one of said chambers for closing one of said passages, and a separate air intake located between the respective chambers.

2,4. In combination, a separating plate provided with an aperture, a collar within said aperture, a pipe within said collar, and

a closure capable of controlling movement of fluids through said aperture.

25. In combination, a vacuum chamber, an auxiliary chamber, a separating plate therebetween, said separating plate being provided with an aperture, through which aA Huid may descend, a closure for said aperture, means for admitting air to said auxiliary chamber, and additional means for conditionally effecting, regardless of any movement of liquid between said chambers,

a partial equalization of pressures therebetween.

26. In combination, a vacuum chamber, an auxiliary chamber, a. separating plate therebetween, said separating plate having a plurality of ducts leading through said plate, through one of which a fluid may descend, and additional means for conditionally effecting, regardless of any movement of liquid between said chambers, a partial equalization of pressures therebetween.

27. In combination, a separating plate provided with an aperture through which a descending liquid and an ascending fluid may simultaneously pass, a collar corresponding with said aperture, a pipe within said collar adapted for the ascent of the fluid, a securing ring in contact with both said collar and said pipe and providing a separate passage for the descent of the liquid, and a closure controlling the movement of both said liquid and said fluid.

28. In combination, a separating plate provided with an aperture through which fluids may pass, a tapered collar corresponding with said aperture, a pipe within said collar inclined in conformity therewith and adapted for the ascent of the fluid, a securing ring in contact with both said collar and said pipe, and a closure controlling the movement of fluids through said aperture.

In testimony that I claim the foregoing, I have hereunto set my hand this 17th day of November, 1919.

EDVVARI) A. ROCKVELL.

iis 

